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IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986
Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART 17 LABORATORY DETERMINATION
OF PERMEABILITY
( First Revision )
Soil Engineering Sectional Committee, BDC 23
Members Representing
ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR (GE) Ministry of Railways ( RDSO )
JOINT DIRECTOR (GE) ( Alternate)
DR ALAM SINGH University of Jodhpur, Jodhpur
SHRI B. ANJIAH Engineering Research Laboratories, Government of
Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
DR R. K. BHANDARI Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee
SHRI S. K. KANSAL ( Alternate)
CHIEF ENGINEER (lPRl) Irrigation Department, Government of Punjab,
Chandigarh
DIRECTOR (DAM) ( Alternate)
DR T. N. CHOJER Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, Lucknow
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (R) ( Alternate)
SHRI A. VERGHESE CHUMMAR F. S. Engineers Private Limited, Madras
SHRI C. S. DABKE Howe ( India) Private Limited, New Delhi
SHRI G. V. MURTHY ( Alternate)
SHRI A. G. DASTIDAR In personal capacity (5 Hungerford Court, 12/1.
Hungerford Street, Calcutta)
DIRECTOR ( IRI ) Irriga tion Department. Government of Uttar Pradesh,
Roorkee
SHRI A. H. DIVANJI Asia Foundations and Construction (Private)
Limited, Bombay
SHRI A. N. JANGLE ( Alternate)
DIRECTOR Central Soil and Materials Research Station, New
Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR ( Alternate)
SHRI N. V. DE-SOUSA Cemindia Company Limited, Bombay
DR GOPAL RANJAN University of Roorkee, Roorkee; and Institute of
Engineers (India), Calcutta
( Continued on page 2 )
(eJ Copyright 1986

INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act (XIV of 1957) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of
the publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
IS: 1720 ( Part 17) -1986
( Continued from pagt! 1 )
SHRI M. IYENGAR Engineers India Limited, New Delhi
SHRI ASHOK K. JAIN G.S. Jain and Associates, Roorkee
SHRI VUAY K. JAIN ( Alternate)
SHRI A. V. S. R. MURTY India Geotechnical Society, New Delhi
SHRI T. K. NATARAJAN Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), New Delhi
SHRI RANJIT SINGH Ministry of Defence (R & D)
SHRI V. B. GHORPADE ( Alternate)
DR G. V. RAO Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
DR K. K. GUPTA ( Alternate)
RESEARCH OFFICER (B & RRL) . Public Works Department, Government of Punjab,
Chandigarh
SECRETARY Central Board of Irrigation and Power, New Delhi
DIRECTOR (C) ( Alternate)
SHRI N. SIVAGURU Ministry of Shipping and Transport (Roads Wing)
SHRI U. JAYAKODI ( Alternate)
SHRI K. S. SRINIVASAN National Building Organization, New Delhi
SHRI SUNIL BERRY ( Alternate)
DR N. SOM Jadavpur University, Calcutta
SHRI N. SUBRAMANYAM Karnataka Engineering Research Station, Govern-
ment of Karnataka, Krishnarajasagar
COL R. R. SUDHINDRA Ministry of Defence (Engineer-in-Chief's Branch)
SHRI S. S. JOSHI ( Alternate)
SUPERINTENDING ENG IN EE R Public Works Department, Government of Tamil
(P & D) Nadu, Madras
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER (SMRD)
( Alternate)
SHRI H. C. VERMA· All India Instrument Manufacturers and Dealers
Association, Bombay
SHRI H. K. GUHA ( Alternate)
SHRI G. RAMAN. Director General, lSI ( Ex-officio Member)
Director (Civ Engg )
Secretary
SHRI K. M. MATHUR
Joint Director (Civ Engg ), lSI
Soil Testing Procedures Subcommittee, BDC 23: 3

Convener
DR ALAM SINGH University of Jodhpur, Jodhpur
Members
ASSISTANT RESEARCH OFFICER, IRI Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, Roorkee
ASSISTANT RESEARCH OFFICER Irrigation Department, Government of Punjab,
(IPRI) Chandigarh
( Continued on page 13 )
*Shri Verma acted as Chairman in the meetini in which this Indian Standard was finalized.
2
IS: 2720 ( Part 17) • 1986
I ndian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART 17 LABORATORY DETERMINATION
OF PERMEABILITY
( First Revision )
o. FOR E W 0 R D
0.1 This Indian Standard (First Revision) was adopted by the Indian
Standards Institution on 30 January 1986, after the draft finalized by the
Soil Engineering Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil
Engineering Division Council.
0.2 With a view to establishing uniform procedures for the determination
of different characteristics of soils and also for facilitating the comperative
study of the results, Indian Standards Institution is bringing out Indian
Standard method of test for soils (IS: 2720) being published in various
parts. This part (Part 17) deals with the method for the laboratory
determination of the coefficient of permeability of soils.
0.3 The knowledge of the permeability is essential in the solution of many
engineering problems involving flow of water through soils such as:
a) Dewatering and drainage of excavations, back fills and subgrades;
b) Determining yield of water bearing strata;
c) Assessing seepage through the body of earth dams; and
d) Computing losses from canals.
In addition since the soil may be used to inhibit flow of water, the
permeability of soil governs the type of soil to be used.
0.4 This Standard (Part 17) covers both constant head and falling head
tests as used for most of the soil. The laboratory determination of
permeability of granular soil by constant head method is covered in
separate part ( Part 36). This part was first published in 1966. Based on
the experience gained in the use of this test in the past 20 years by various
laboratories, this standard has been revised. The principal modifications
made are deletion of details of the equipment for testing for which separate
3
IS;2720 ( Part 17 ) - 1986
Indian Standard has been formulated (see IS: 11209-1985* ), giving detailed
procedures for the record of the observations as well as calculations for
two types of the test and revising the proforma for the record of tests by
enlarging to cover more details.
0.5 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, express-
ing the result of a test, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS: 2-1960t.
The number of significant places retained in the rounded off value should
be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard (Part 17) covers the methods for laboratory determina-
tion of coefficient of permeability of soils using falling head and the
constant head methods. This test is recommended for soils with coefficient
of permeability in the range 10- 3 to 10- 7 cm/s and maximum particle size
of9'5 mm.
2. TERMINOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the definition of terms given in
IS: 2809-1972t shall apply.
3. APPARATUS
3.1 The mould assembly (including drainage base and drainage cap) shall
conform to IS: 11209-1985*.
3.2 The compaction rammer shall conform to IS: 9198-1979§.
3.3 Set of Stand Pipes - Glass stand pipes for falling head (variable
head) test arrangement, varying in diameter from 5 to 20 mm, suitably
mounted on stand or otherwise fixed on wall.
3.4 Constant Head Tank - A suitable water reservoir capable or supply-
ing water to the permeameter under constant head for constant head test
arrangement.
·Specification for mould assembly for determination of permeability.
t Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised ).
~Glossary of terms and symbols relating to soil engineering (first revision ).
§Specification for compaction rammer for soil testing.
4
IS: 2720 (Part 17) ·1986
3.5 Vacuum Pomp

3.6 Miscellaneous Apparatus - Such as IS sieves, mixing pan, graduated
cylinder, metre scale, stop watch, 7S-micron wire gauge, thermometer, and
a source of de-aired water.
4. PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN

4.1 Disturbed Soil Sample
4.1.1 A 2'S-kg sample shall be taken from a thoroughly mixed air-dried
or oven-dried material which has been obtained in accordance with
IS : 2720 (Part 1 )-1983*.
4.1.2 The moisture content of the 2'S-kg sample shall be determined as
described in IS: 2720 (Part 2 )-1973t. The sample shall be placed in an
airtight container. The quantity of water to be added to the stored sample
to give the desired moisture content shall be computed and spread evenly
over the sample, and after thoroughly mixing, the material shall again be
placed in the storage container. The moisture content of the sample shall
again be determined and the entire process repeated until the actual
moisture content is within 0'5 percent of that desired.
4.1.3 The permeameter mould shall be weighed empty to the nearest
gram. After greasing lightly the inside of the mould it shall be clamped
between the compaction base plate and the extension collar. The assembly
shall be kept on a solid base.
4.1.4 The dry density for remoulding of soil samples shall be either the
field density or the value of the maximum dry density estimated by the
compaction tests [see IS: 2720 (Part 7 )-1980t and IS : 2720 (Part 8 )-1983§ ]
or any other density at which the permeability is desired. The moisture
content used for compaction should be the optimum moisture content or
the field moisture as the case may be. The compactive effort may be varied
to simulate field conditions. Static compaction may also be used where
necessary. Mter completion of compaction the collar, if attached, shall
be removed and excess soil trimmed level with the top of the mould. The
base shall be detached and the mould full of the compacted specimen shall
be weighed.
*Methods of test for soils: Part 1 Preparation of dry soil samples for various tests
( second revision ).
tMethods of test for soils: Part 2 Determination of water content ( second revision).
tMethods of test for soils: Part 7 Determination of moisture content dry density rela-
tion using light compaction ( second revision ).
§Methods of test for soils: Part 8 Determination of moisture content dry density rela-
tion using heavy compaction ( second revision ).
S
IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986
4.1.5 The mould with the specimen inside shall be assembled to the
drainage base and cap having porous discs. The porous discs shall be
saturated before assembling the mould.
4.2 Undisturbed Soil Sample - For testing undisturbed soils, undisturbed
specimen shall be trimmed in the form of a cylinder not larger than about
85 mm in diameter and having a height equal to that of the mould. The.
specimen shall be placed centrally over the porous disc of the drainage
base fixed to the mould. The annular space between the mould and the
specimen shall be filled with an impervious material such as cement slurry
or a mixture of 10 percent dry powdered bentonite and 90 percent fine
sand by weight to provide sealing between the soil specimen and the mould
against leakage from the sides. When using the cement slurry the mould
shaH be kept on a flat surface other than the porous discs. The mixture
shall be compacted using a small tamping rod. The drainage cap shall
then be fixed over the top of the mould.
4.3 Saturation - In the case of soils of medium to high permeability the
specimen shall be subjected to sufficient head, flow or immersion so as to
obtain full saturation. Soils of low permeability require flow under a high
head for periods ranging from a day to a week depending upon the
permeability and the head. Alternatively, in the case of soils of low
permeability the specimen shall be subjected to a gradually increasing
vacuum with bottom outlet closed so as to remove to form the soil voids.
The vacuum shall be increased to at least 70 cm of mercury which shall be
maintained for 15 minutes or more depending upon the soil type. The
evacuation shall be followed by a very slow saturation of the specimen
with de-aired water from the bottom upwards under full vacuum. When
the specimen is saturated both the top and bottom outlets shall be closed.
S. CONSTANT HEAD TEST

S.1 For a constant head test arrangement, the specimen shall be connected
through the top inlet to the constant head water reservoir. The bottom
outlet shall be opened and when the steady state of flow has been estab-
lished, the quantity of flow for a convenient time interval shall be collected
and weighed or measured. Alternatively, the inlet may be at the bottom
and water may be collected from the outlet at the top. The collection of
the quantity of flow for the same time interval shall be repeated thrice.
S.2 The linearity ( of Darcy's law) between the hydraulic gradient and the
average velocity of flow for the soil under test should be established by
performing the test over a range of hydraulic gradients. The hydraulic
gradients in the permeability test should preferably include the hydraulic
gradient likely to occur in the field and any deviation from linearity
observed should be noted.
6
IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986
5.3 Record of Observation

5.3.1 The inside diameter and the height of the permeameter are
measured and recorded as diameter D and length L of the specimen in
Appendix A. The heights H1 and H'J are measured to determine the head
loss h. The temperature of water T is also measured and recorded.
5.3.2 During the test, observations are made of volume of water, Q
collected in a graduated jar in time t and are recorded in col 2 and 3 of
Appendix A respectively. The permeability is calculated and recorded in
col 4 of Appendix A. Remarks, if any, are entered in col 5 of Appendix A.
5.3.3 For the purpose of getting a quantitative description of the state
of the sample, after the test, the weight of wet soil specimen Wt is measured
and recorded. Its dry weight W. is measured after drying for 24 hours.
The water content, w is computed and noted. From the knowledge of the
specific gravity G. of specimen and water content w, void ratio e and degree
of saturation S are determined.
5.4 Calculations
5.4.1 The permeability kT at temperature T is calculated as:
k 27 --k~
T
1'27
in which
k! 7 = permeability at 27°C,
'YT = coefficient of viscosity at Toe,
')'27 - coefficient of viscosity at 27°C,
Q - quantity in cm s,
A area of speceimen in cm 11 ,
hydraulic gradient, and
= time in seconds.
5.4.2 The parameters water content, void ratio and degree of saturation
shall be calculated according to IS: 2720 (Part 2 )-1973*.
5.4.3 A data sheet with observed data, calculation and result is presented
in Appendix A.
-Methods of tests for soils: Part 2 Determination of water content ( second revision ).
7
IS.: 2720 (Part 17 )-1986
5.5 Presentation of Results - The values of permeability at roc and 27°C

are reported as a number with units of cm/s. Also reported are corres-
ponding void ratio, degree of saturation and water content.
6. FALLING HEAD TEST

6.1 For a falling head test arrangement the specimen shall be connected
through the top inlet to selected stand-pipe. The bottom outlet shall be
opened and the time interval required for the water level to fall from a
known initial head to a known final head as measured above the centre of
the outlet shall be recorded. The stand-pipe shall be refilled with water
and the test repeated till three successive observations give nearly same
time interval; the time intervals being recorded for the drop in head from
the same initial to final values, as in the first determination. Alternatively,
after selecting the suitable initial and final heads, h1 and h2 respectively,
time intervals shall be noted for the head to fall from hJ to yh1 h2 and
similarly from yh1 h~ to h 2 • The time intervals should be the same;
otherwise the observation shall be repeated after refilling the stand-pipe.
6.2 Record of Observation - ( see Appendix B ).
6.2.1 The dimensions of specimen, length L and diameter D, are
measured and recorded in Appendix B. Area a of stand-pipe is recorded.
The temperature T, of water is also measured and recorded.
6.2.2 During the test, observations are made of initial time tl> final time
tr, initial head h1' final head h2 in stand-pipe and are recorded in col 2 to
5 of Apppndix B respectively. h1/h2 and log1o (hl/h2) are claculated
and recorded in col 6 and 7 of Appendix B respectively. The permeability
kT is calculated and recorded in col 8 of Appendix B. Remarks, if any, are
entered in col 9 of Appendix B.
6.2.3 At the end of the test, the weight of wet soil specimen Wt is
measured and recorded. Then the sample is dried in the oven for 24 hours
and the dry weight We is measured and recorded. The water content, W
is computed and noted. Void ratio, e, and degree of saturation S are
calculated using specific gravity G. of the specimen and water content, W.
6.3 Calculations
6.3.1 At temperature T of water, the permeability kT is calculated as
kT = 2'303 aL log h1
A (tr-ti) 10h;
and the permeability at 27°C is given by
k27 = kT~
1'27
8
IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986
Other parameters to be calculated are the water content, w, void

ratio e and degree of saturation s, shall be determined according to
IS: 2720 ( Part 2 )-1973*.
6.3.2 A data sheet with observation data, calculation and result is
presented in Appendix B.
6.4 Presentation of Results
6.4.1 The permeability values at temperatures T and 27°C are reported as
numbers with units as cm/s. The state of the sample is also reported in
terms of water content, void ratio and degree of saturation.
APPENDIX A
( Clauses 5.3 and 5.4.2 )
RECORD OF OBSERVATION WITH EXAMPLE FOR
CALCULATION OF PERMEABILITY BY
CONSTANT HEAD METHOD
Project _ _ _~_ _ _ _ _ __ Test No. ________

Sample No. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Soil Identification _ _ _ _ _ __ Tested by _ _ _ _ __

Diameter of specimen ( D) _ _ _ _ em
Length of specimen (L) _ _ _ _ em
Area of specimen (A) = _______ em!
Volume of specimen ( V) = ______
Head Loss h = H 1 -H 2 = _____ em
Hydraulic Gradient i = h/L _ _ __
Temperature of water T = __ °C
* Methods of test for soils: Part 2 Determination of water content ( second revision ).
9
IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986
SI No. Quantity Time, t Permeability Remarks

Q
cm 3
seconds
kT=~
Ai t
cmjs
(I) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Weight of wet soil specimen ---g

after test, W t
Weight of dry soil specimen, W. ---g

Wt-W
Water content, W = Ws s X 100 = ___ percent
Specific gravity of specimen Gs = ____
Void ratio e = VGs-Ws

Ws
Gs • W _ _ _ percent
Degree of saturation S
e
Permeability at 27°C, k 27
10
IS: 2720 ( Part 17) - 1986
APPENDIX B
( Clauses 6.2 and 6.3.2 )
RECORD OF OBSERVATION WITH EXAMPLE
FOR CALCULATION OF PERMEABILITY
BY FALLING HEAD METHOD
Project Test No. _ _ _ _ __

Sample No. Date _ _ _ _ _ __
Soil Identification Tested by _ _ _ _ __
Diameter of specimen ( D ) cm
Length of specimen (L) cm 2
Area of specimen ( A ) = cm ~
Volume of specimen (V) = AL = cm
Area of stand-pipe (a) = cm 2
C = 2·303 a; = ____ cm
Temperature of water T = 34°C
Sl Initial Final Initial Final hI/h2 1 hI KT =

ogIO--
Remarks
No. Time Time Head Head 1
h2 ogl0- hI
t1 tf hI (cm) h~ (cm) h2
(seco- (seco- C
nds) nds) (tf- t 1)
cm/s
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
11
IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986
Weight of wet soil specimen after the test, WI = ____ g

Weight of dry soil specimen, W. = ____ g
Water content, W = WI;. W. x 100 = ____ percent
Specific gravity of specimen, Gs = ____
Void ratio e = VG. - W. _

, Ws ----
Degree of saturation, S = G~ W = ____ percent
P ermea b1-l-Ity at 27°C ' 2k 7 =-

kT-I'T
- = _____ em/s
1'27
12
IS: 2720 (Part 17) - 1986

( Continued from page 2 )
SHRI A. K. CHATURVEDI Ministry of Defence (Engineer-in-Chief's Branch)
SHRI P. VERDARAJAN ( Alternate)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR ( GE-III ) Ministry of Railways ( RDSO )
ARE (GE) ( Alternate )
DIRECTOR (CS & MRS) Central Soil and Materials Research Station, New
Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (CS & MRS)
( Alternate)
SHRI H. K. GUHA Geologists Syndicate Private Limited, Calcutta
SHRI N. N. BHATTACHARYA ( Alternate)
DR SHASHI K. GULHATl Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
SHRI M. D. NAIR Associated Instruments Manufacturers (India)
Private Limited, New Delhi
PROF T. S. NAGARAJ ( Alternate )
DR GOPAL RANJAN University of Roorkee, Roorkee
DR S. C. HANDA ( Alternate)
SHRI P. JAGANATHA RAO Central Road Research Institute (CSIR ), New Delhi
SHRI U. N. SINHA Central Building Research Institute (CSIR),
Roorkee
DR N. SOM Jadavpur University, Calcutta
DR S. C. DAS ( Alternate)
13
INTERNATlONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS (SI UNITS)

Base Units
Quantity Unit Symbol
Length metre m
Mass kilogram kg
Time second s
Electric current ampere A
Thermodynamic kelvin K
temperature
Luminous intensity candela cd
Amount of substance mole mol
Supplementary Units
Quantity Unit Symbol
Plane angle radian rad
Solid angle steradian sr
Derived Units
Quantity Um', Symbol Definition
Force newton N N = 1 kg. m/s'
Energy joule J J = 1 N.m
Power watt W W=l Jls
Flux weber Wb 1 Wb= 1 V.S
Flux density tesla T 1 T= 1 Wblm-
Frequency hertz Hz 1 Hz= 1 cis (S-1)
Electric conductance siemens S 1 S= 1 A/V
Electromotive force volt V 1 V= 1 W/A
Pressure, stress pascal Pa 1 Pa= 1 N/m'

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Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to Vishesh Labs

IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986

Soil Engineering Sectional Committee, BDC 23

(eJ Copyright 1986

( Continued from pagt! 1 )

Soil Testing Procedures Subcommittee, BDC 23: 3

IS: 2720 (Part 17) ·1986

3.5 Vacuum Pomp

4. PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN

IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986

S. CONSTANT HEAD TEST

IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986

5.3 Record of Observation

IS.: 2720 (Part 17 )-1986

5.5 Presentation of Results - The values of permeability at roc and 27°C

6. FALLING HEAD TEST

IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986

Other parameters to be calculated are the water content, w, void

Project _ _ _~_ _ _ _ _ __ Test No. ________

Soil Identification _ _ _ _ _ __ Tested by _ _ _ _ __

IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986

SI No. Quantity Time, t Permeability Remarks

(I) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Weight of wet soil specimen ---g

Weight of dry soil specimen, W. ---g

Specific gravity of specimen Gs = ____

Void ratio e = VGs-Ws

Project Test No. _ _ _ _ __

Temperature of water T = 34°C

Sl Initial Final Initial Final hI/h2 1 hI KT =

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

IS: 2720 (Part 17) -1986

Weight of wet soil specimen after the test, WI = ____ g

Specific gravity of specimen, Gs = ____

Void ratio e = VG. - W. _

Degree of saturation, S = G~ W = ____ percent

P ermea b1-l-Ity at 27°C ' 2k 7 =-

IS: 2720 (Part 17) - 1986

INTERNATlONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS (SI UNITS)

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Project _ _ _~_ _ _ _ _ Test No. ______